Planning & Training
Planning & Training Overview
Organizing a veterans' legal clinic involves coordination across multiple areas: choosing your clinic model, developing a timeline, recruiting participants and volunteers, and managing logistics. This guide walks you through each step of the planning process, from your initial decision to hold a clinic through the week before your event.
Veteran legal clinics can be structured in different ways depending on your resources, geographic location, and the needs of the veterans you're serving. The three main models are in-person, virtual, and hybrid. Each has distinct advantages and considerations.
In-Person Clinics
Best for:
- Central location with veteran access
- Document signing required
- Hands-on form assistance
Key considerations:
- Private rooms for confidentiality
- Physical space and equipment needs
- Transportation barriers
- Staff available for immediate support
Virtual Clinics
Best for:
- Wide geographic areas
- Advice and counsel only
- Recruiting attorneys from anywhere
Key considerations:
- Technology requires advance testing
- Need tech coordinator role
- Eliminates travel barriers
- Secure video platform required
Hybrid Clinics
Best for:
- Varying veteran technology access
- Broader volunteer recruitment
Key considerations:
- Most complex coordination
- Veterans on-site, attorneys virtual
- Staff provide tech support
- Requires reliable internet
Download the full planning checklist:
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Program Logistics & Timeline
Use this document for planning out the steps needed to execute the clinic with a list of factors to consider during development.
Recruiting Veterans
Getting veterans to attend your clinic is key in organizing a successful event. Effective outreach requires starting early, using multiple communication channels, and building relationships with trusted community partners who can champion your clinic.
Start Early and Use Multiple Channels
Begin marketing three months before your event. Post physical flyers at VA facilities and community locations, especially in rural areas where internet access may be limited. Create a Facebook event page and use "save-the-date" messaging if details aren't finalized. Make direct phone calls to contacts - don't rely on email alone.
Find Your Champions
Success often depends on finding the right champion - someone at a VA facility or in the community who truly cares about the clinic and actively promotes it. Champions might be VA staff, Veterans Service Officers, community organization leaders, or in rural areas, social services staff, librarians, or other trusted local figures. The champion varies by community - identify who the trusted gatekeepers are.
Build Community Partnerships
In areas where you can't have regular physical presence, community partnerships are essential for building trust and awareness. Partner with VA facilities, Veterans Services Organizations, social services agencies, libraries, faith-based organizations, and local bar associations. These partners help you reach veterans who might not know about legal aid services.
Use Plain, Accessible Language
Avoid legal jargon in marketing materials. Use simpler terms when possible (for example, "remote" instead of "virtual"). Clearly state what types of legal issues you can help with and what veterans should expect from attending.
Logistics by Clinic Type
The logistics you need to manage depend on whether you're running an in-person, virtual, or hybrid clinic. Some considerations apply across all formats, while others are specific to your clinic model.
Operations Guides
These comprehensive guides cover both preparation and execution for each clinic format, including venue selection, technology setup, role assignments, supply lists, and troubleshooting common challenges.
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In-Person Clinic Operations
Use this document for clinics taking place in person.
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Virtual and Hybrid Clinic Operations
Use this document for clinics taking place virtually.
Use this toolkit to plan our clinic from start to finish, access essential templates and resources, and connect veterans with the help they need.